A call to action for growth and affordability as Minnesota charts its economic future

By Doug Loon
President and CEO
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

At the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to strengthening our state by putting Minnesota on a deliberate path toward sustained economic growth and enduring prosperity. The strength of our economy is the foundation of opportunity and long-term vitality, and it touches every household across the state. A growing economy funds our schools, modernizes infrastructure that connects our communities and strengthens budgets from city halls to the state Capitol. It creates higher wages, stronger career paths and a real reason for young people to build their lives here rather than somewhere else.

When growth slows, the consequences are real. Investments hesitate, expansions stall, employers pull back and young talent begins to explore opportunities elsewhere. Over time, decline becomes harder to reverse. Minnesota has extraordinary assets – world-class companies, a highly skilled workforce and a quality of life that is the envy of many. The prosperity we inherited did not happen by chance. It was built intentionally by leaders who understood that economic vitality and civic health rise together. They made decisions not just for the next headline, but for the next generation.

Now it is our turn. The Chamber is launching a multi-year initiative called the Economic Imperative for Growth. Grounded in sound, unbiased data, this effort takes an honest look at our state’s current strengths and challenges with the goal of improving our future outlook. The choices we make today will determine whether Minnesota remains a magnet for talent and investment or loses ground to other states. If we want our children and grandchildren to build meaningful lives here, we must be intentional about the opportunities that exist in our state. Our future will not be defined by what we once were, but by the decisions we make now.

This legislative session, we are asking policymakers to consider one key question with every vote they take: how will this impact Minnesota’s economy today and into the future? Decisions on taxes, workplace policy, and affordability will shape paychecks, job growth and the stability of our communities. They will influence whether businesses choose to invest here, whether families can afford to stay here and whether young people see their future in Minnesota.

As we look ahead to the 2026 election year, engagement is critical. At today’s meet and greet with gubernatorial candidates, many of you participated in a straw poll asking what the next governor can do to best support Minnesota’s economy. The results were clear. Affordability ranked first at 28%, followed by cutting taxes at 21% and reducing regulations at 16%. Thank you for sharing your priorities. Your input helps guide our work and reinforces the importance of these issues.

Elections matter, policies matter and leadership matters. But beneath all of it is a deeper question: will we recommit to a shared future that grows the economic pie? We invite you to join us in advancing the Economic Imperative for Growth by sharing how these challenges affect your business and community.

Minnesota’s future is not predetermined. We are not broken, and it is not too late to set a stronger course. The Chamber will highlight three key metrics to measure how we are performing compared to other states, and we will need your engagement to improve our competitiveness. We have a remarkable state. Let’s come together, act with urgency, and ensure a strong and successful future for our communities and our economy.